If you are a senior at Tallwood, you already know how it goes. Your phone has turned into part of your hand, and social media is always open, whether you are in class (even though we’re not supposed to be), at lunch, or just trying to relax. Apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok make it seem like everyone else is constantly winning games, getting into colleges, going to parties, or living their “best life.” But what you do not see is what is behind those posts.
According to Steve Inskeep, people who use social media more often can actually feel more isolated than those who do not. Everyone posts highlights, perfect pictures, and big moments; while the stress, pressure, and bad days stay hidden. Seeing that over and over can make it feel like you’re falling behind. That is where FOMO, the fear of missing out, starts to build, and it will seriously affect your mental health.
At Tallwood, FOMO is not just a concept, it is something students actually experience. Think about missing homecoming when the theme was “The Great Gatsby” and everyone showed up dressed up, posting pictures that made it look like a movie. Or missing a Friday night football home game and then seeing videos of the crowd, the lights, and everyone together in the student section.
Even bigger moments like prom or graduation can feel overwhelming if you are not part of them or feel like your experience does not match what you see online. Social Media takes these events and turns them into highlight reels, making it seem like everyone else is part of something unforgettable while you are on the outside looking in.
Fear of Missing Out is the feeling that other people are doing something better or more exciting than you. Social media makes this worse because it mostly shows the best parts of people’s lives instead of the full picture. You scroll for a few minutes and suddenly it feels like everyone is out doing something fun while you are stuck at home doing homework or just relaxing.
According to an interview published by NPR, using platforms more often increases social comparison, which is when people compare their lives to others. While comparing yourself to others is normal, social media makes it happen way more often and much more intensely. It creates a version of reality where it seems like everyone else is constantly happy, successful, and busy. Over time, this can make your own life feel less exciting or important, even though what you are seeing is not completely real.
Another reason FOMO gets worse is because of how constant everything is on social media. There is always something new to see, whether it’s posts, trends, or people showing what they are buying and doing. You are not just seeing what your friends are up to, but also influencers, advertisements, and viral trends that are designed to grab your attention.
It can feel like you have to keep up by going out more, spending money, or being part of every event just so you don’t feel left out. Even school events like football games, homecoming, or other social gatherings can create pressure, making it seem like if you are not there, you are missing something important. This constant pressure builds up quickly and can cause people to make decisions based on fear of missing out instead of what they actually want or enjoy.
FOMO from social media can also have serious effects on mental health. Studies show that high levels of social media use are linked to increased anxiety, stress, and lower self-esteem. When it feels like everyone else is doing better or having more fun, it can change how you see yourself and your own life. At Tallwood, where students are constantly talking about college decisions, future plans, and social events, that pressure can feel even stronger. It can become exhausting to feel like you always need to be doing something exciting or posting something worth sharing.
Over time, this can lead to feelings of loneliness or the belief that you are not good enough. Even though social media can increase FOMO, being aware of how it works and taking breaks from it can help reduce its impact. In the end, focusing on your own experiences and what makes you happy instead of constantly comparing yourself to others can make a big difference in your overall well-being.
